Fergie time can help Ca
PARTICK THISTLE New boss armed with words of wisdom from Sir Alex to help win battle for promotion
GARY CALDWELL may have spent the best part of a year out of the game before being appointed as manager of Partick Thistle on Monday, but it seems he used the time well.
Of all those long days away from football following his dismissal from Chesterfield, there is one afternoon that undoubtedly stands out above all others as the most valuable experience to prepare him for his return to frontline management.
The time he spent picking the brain of Sir Alex Ferguson has left an indelible mark on the 36-year-old, and he is hoping now to use some of the kernels of wisdom passed on from the greatest manager of them all as he embarks on his mission of returning Thistle to the top level of the Scottish game.
“I spent three days with Brendan Rodgers, I spent a day with Sean Dyche, I was with Rafa Benitez and I had an afternoon with Sir Alex,” Caldwell said.
“They were amazing. Every single one gave different nuggets that stick with you.
“I think you can learn from everyone throughout your life, but you have to then put it in your own context and bring it out as yourself.
“You can’t copy anyone, you can’t be anyone else. You just have to pick their brains and learn little things.
“Sir Alex was great. I spent two-and-a-half hours with him at his office. I live in the village just next to him.
“I was actually looking at my watch and thinking ‘surely you must have something better to do than speak to me?’
“But he gave his time and we went right back. He probably liked it because we didn’t actually speak about Man United, we spoke about St Mirren, Jock Stein, Scotland.
“He was reminiscing and he got on a roll, and it was just amazing to listen to him and some of his stories, and pick things up that Jock Stein was doing all those years ago.
“It was actually not long before he took ill, so when I saw that it felt more real having spent that time with him. He’s an amazing man.
“I took him a nice bottle of red, so that was maybe why I got so long!”
Life as a manager, particularly in the early years, can be somewhat rocky. Even Sir Alex had his fair share of bumps in the road as he set out on his own journey in the dugout.
If it wasn’t for injury, Caldwell might still be playing, but he could hardly be
‘‘ Even Sir Alex had his fair share of bumps on the road as he set out
described as wet behind the ears in a management sense despite his relatively tender years.
Not all of his experiences have been positive. After winning promotion back to the Championship with Wigan, he was dismissed early in the following season as his side struggled to adapt to the step back up in level. And he was also sacked as Chesterfield manager after winning just three of his 29 matches in charge.
He is certain, though, that the school of hard knocks he has been through will stand him in good stead for the challenge of reviving Thistle’s fortunes that lies ahead.
“You have to learn lessons in life and sometimes they can be harsh lessons,” he said.
“I always revert to my own career as a player, and that was hard work at times. It took time to get to where I wanted to be.
“You probably need resilience in this sport more than